Sanatan Dharma the world's most ancient religious philosophy, outlines universal values, duties, and responsibilities for all beings, both living and non-living, as divinely ordained by the Creator of the Universe. Its foundational scriptures, the Vedas, are the oldest written texts known to humanity, with origins dating back to at least 7500 BC.
Initially, the term "Dharma" in the Rigveda referred to the cosmic order—the inherent path designated for all created entities. Deviation from this path was believed to lead to various calamities and suffering. Over time, the concept of Dharma evolved to encompass human existence, guiding individuals in their natural, religious, social, and moral lives. It became the blueprint for righteous living, embodying values, duties, responsibilities, rights, laws, ethical conduct, and virtues. Dharma, in its essence, is a universal principle applicable to all humanity, guiding the path of righteousness.
Over time, various religious traditions emerged, beginning around 1000 BCE with faiths like Judaism and Zoroastrianism. Later, Jainism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam also developed, followed by Sikhism and more recent movements such as Swaminarayan, Arya Samaj, and Sai Baba. The rise of these distinct sects, with their defined founders and doctrines, often led to Sanatan Dharma's foundational principles being less emphasized or understood within the broader religious landscape. Sanatan scriptures say “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” meaning “World is one Family”. This ideology has restricted, the followers of Sanatan Dharma, to expand by way of conversions, invasions, wars, violence, allurement, coercion etc.
Central to Sanatan scriptures is the profound teaching, "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam", meaning "The World is One Family." This foundational ideology has intrinsically shaped Sanatan Dharma's approach, precluding expansion through methods like forced conversions, invasions, or violent conflicts. Instead, it discourages actions driven by allurement or coercion, emphasizing a harmonious coexistence rooted in universal kinship.
Lately Hindus have taken an aggressive posture and it can take an ugly turn if the followers of other faiths do not come to terms to respect the Sanatan Dharma followers.
